ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

What kind of reunion is this anyway?

All members of the Reunion Jazz Orchestra (RJO) share a very unique background. Every member is a “son of Notre Dame” – either from Notre Dame High School in Niles, Illinois, or from Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. All share a connection to, and a special affection for, the founder of the school’s jazz program, Rev. George Wiskirchen, C.S.C., (“The Swinging Padre”).

The RJO has in its ranks doctors and architects, executives and entrepreneurs, and information technology professionals. The RJO has as authentic a swing sound as you'll find anywhere, but it also plays ballads, progressive, and latin. RJO performances also showcase the unique vocal stylings of Chicago favorite Jennifer R. Connelly.

The RJO has performed at Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach, at the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival, Cantigny Park, Veterans Memorial Band Shell, many Chicago metropolitan area neighborhood festivals, and numerous charitable events. The RJO has reigned as the "house band" at Papa's Pizza in Roselle, IL, and the Sphinx Cafe Restaurant in Niles, IL.

The Reunion Jazz Orchestra is an official alumni organization of Notre Dame High School. All the money raised from performances and the sale of CDs is donated to Notre Dame High School for the support and enhancement of the music program.

Though I played with some of these guys back in 1960-1962, the soul is still there. This album is more like our gig songs, the ones we played for area dances, as opposed to the stage performances in the more pure Jazz strain. It still comes off great, in the mainstream Big Band media. The addition of the vocals really clicks. Great album and great memories to boot.

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